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Nintendo started its video game console business in 1983 by launching the NES, and started its portable console business in 1989 by launching the Game Boy. Since then, the firm has focused on expanding the gaming population by delivering unique entertainment experiences on its original console systems; the Wii and Nintendo DS are its most popular hardware. However, Nintendo not only makes game consoles, but also owns world-renowned IPs such as Super Mario, Pokemon, and Zelda, which have been a source of cash flow for 40 years.

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Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 leads October U.S. sales, boosting spending to $4.7 billion. See how top games and Game Pass impacted the charts.

Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6 Leads Video Game October Sales In The US

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Discover the true cost of completing Pokémon TCG Pocket&#39;s Genetic Apex set and the challenges players face in this free-to-play game.

How Much Does It Really Cost To Complete Pokémon TCG&#39;s First Set?

Apple’s Next Big Bet? Think Smaller, Says Analyst: 'There Will Never Be Another… iPhone'

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The EU directed Apple to stop geo-blocking on its media services. Taylor Swift fans leave Twitter for Bluesky. Microsoft hints at a hand-held Xbox.

Consumer Tech News (November 11-15): Apple Plans To Launch An AI Wall Tablet, Meta Plans To Introduce Ads On Threads &amp; More

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October was a strong month for the gaming industry, with eight of the top ten best-selling games in the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/video-games">U.S. being new releases</a>.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 topped the charts, contributing to a 10% year-over-year increase in U.S. video game spending, which reached $4.7 billion.
According to Circana&#8217;s monthly report (<a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/october-2024-sales-charts-call-of-duty-black-ops-6-sparks-xbox-game-pass-subscription-surge">via</a> IGN), Black Ops 6 is already the third best-selling game of the year and saw sales 23% higher in its first two weeks than last year's Modern Warfare 3 over the same period. 
See Also:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/11/42141838/elden-ring-creator-hidetaka-miyazaki-teases-various-new-projects-in-development"> Elden Ring Creator Hidetaka Miyazaki Teases &#8216;Various New Projects&#8217; In Development</a>
Mat Piscatella of Circana noted that 82% of the game's full dollar sales came from PlayStation 5, likely because Xbox players opted to access the game through Game Pass instead of purchasing it outright.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Game Pass And Subscription Growth</h3>
The availability of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/10/41662426/black-ops-6-shatters-records-call-of-dutys-biggest-launch-drives-60-sales-spike">Black Ops 6 on Game Pass</a> appears to have driven growth in video game subscription spending, which increased 16% year-over-year in October. 
This suggests that the game attracted new subscribers to Microsoft Corp.&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) platform while maintaining strong sales elsewhere.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Dragon Ball And Silent Hill Stand Out</h3>
Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero secured the second spot on October's sales charts and became the best-selling Dragon Ball game in the U.S. The game is also now the third best-selling title in Bandai Namco Holdings ADR&#8217;s (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NCBDY#OTC">NCBDY</a>) history, following<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/11/42068231/sony-in-talks-to-acquire-elden-ring-publisher-kadokawa-report"> Elden Ring </a>and Dark Souls 3.
The Silent Hill 2 remake came in third and is now the second best-selling game in the franchise, second only to the original Silent Hill 2.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sales Shifts from Discounts and Game Pass</h3>
The Final Fantasy I-VI Collection moved up from No. 90 in September to No. 19 in October, likely due to a significant price drop on Nintendo ADR&#8216;s (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTDOY#OTC">NTDOY</a>) Nintendo Switch. Meanwhile, Sifu climbed to No. 9 on Xbox's monthly active users chart after being added to Game Pass.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Hardware And Accessories Performance</h3>
Hardware sales saw a 23% decline compared to last year. Nintendo Switch sales dropped 38%, while PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series sales were down 20% and 18%, respectively. The PlayStation 5 remains the top-selling console in both units and dollar sales, with Xbox Series consoles in second place.
In accessories, spending increased by 15%, with Sony Group Corp's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SONY#NYSE">SONY</a>) PlayStation Portal becoming the month's best-selling item.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Top 20 Best-Selling Games In October</h3>
<ol>
<li>Call of Duty: Black Ops 6</li>
<li>Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero</li>
<li>Silent Hill 2</li>
<li>Undisputed</li>
<li>Metaphor: ReFantazio</li>
<li>Dragon Age: The Veilguard</li>
<li>Super Mario Party Jamboree!&#x2A;</li>
<li>Madden NFL 25</li>
<li>Sonic X Shadow Generations</li>
<li>EA Sports FC 25</li>
<li>EA Sports College Football 25</li>
<li>The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom&#x2A;</li>
<li>Hogwarts Legacy</li>
<li>NHL 25</li>
<li>Astro Bot</li>
<li>Minecraft&#x2A;</li>
<li>NBA 2K25</li>
<li>Life Is Strange: Double Exposure</li>
<li>Final Fantasy I-VI Bundle</li>
<li>Elden Ring</li>
</ol>
(&#x2A;Digital sales data for some titles are not included in Circana's report.)
As the year approaches its final months, upcoming Black Friday deals may impact both hardware and software sales.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/11/42144628/gta-6-trailer-2-fans-frustrated-as-rockstar-possibly-breaks-moon-theory">GTA 6 Trailer 2 Fans Frustrated As Rockstar Possibly Breaks Moon Theory</a></li>
</ul>
Image credits: Shutterstock.

Nintendo ADR&#8216;s (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTDOY#OTC">NTDOY</a>) Pokémon TCG Pocket, a<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobile-gaming"> mobile game</a> that combines the collectible card game experience with a free-to-play model, has made waves with its<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming"> pricing structure. </a>
Gamer and Reddit user Weens4Life has shared how they spent $1,500 to complete the Genetic Apex set—a task that involved opening 1,741 booster packs to obtain all the cards, <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/pokmon-tcg-pocket-player-reveals-exactly-how-long-it-takes-to-complete-the-first-set-after-spending-1500">according </a>to IGN.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/11/42046762/the-game-awards-2024-nominees-are-here-dlc-and-remakes-make-the-list">The Game Awards 2024 Nominees Are Here: DLC And Remakes Make The List</a>
The set, which contains 286 cards, includes 226 base cards and 60 alternate art &#8220;secret&#8221; cards that are much harder to get. While completing the base set of 226 cards cost about $200, collecting the alternate art cards was far more expensive. Weens4Life spent between $500 and $700 just to collect the final three alternate art cards.
&#8220;It was worth it to me,&#8221;said Weens4Life. But he added: &#8220;For future packs I will only be collecting the base set though.&#8221;
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Free-To-Play Grind</h3>
While the game is free to play, the rewards are not easy to come by. In the beginning, players receive many booster packs, but the amount drops off quickly. Eventually, players can only earn two packs per day during lulls between events. For players who want to progress faster, spending money is almost necessary.
Weens4Life used the Wonder Pick feature to get more cards, but this method offers only a 20% chance to pull a desired card, making it an unreliable choice. 
They ended up opening 8,582 packs, which included 129 Slowpoke cards and nine rare Mewtwo cards. Despite the large number of packs, they never pulled a "god pack," a rare event where players get a full set of the most coveted cards in one go.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Future Sets And Continuous Content</h3>
Creatures Inc., the developer behind Pokémon TCG Pocket, plans to keep the game fresh with more card sets. The company has confirmed that a smaller card drop is coming in December, followed by a full set in January. 
This means that players who completed Genetic Apex will face another round of card collecting, and those still working through the set will have new cards to chase.
In its first three weeks, the game earned $120 million and had 30 million downloads<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/11/41725114/pok-mon-tcg-pocket-earns-12-million-in-four-days-fueled-by-u-s-downloads"> after just nine days. </a>
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/11/42118521/xbox-cloud-gaming-now-lets-you-stream-owned-games-heres-how-it-works">Xbox Cloud Gaming Now Lets You Stream Owned Games: Here&#8217;s How It Works</a></li>
</ul>
Image credits: Shutterstock.

How Much Does It Really Cost To Complete Pokémon TCG's First Set?

The European Union has directed&nbsp;Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) to discontinue geo-blocking on its media services. The European Commission has identified several geo-blocking practices on Apple's platforms, including the App Store, Apple Arcade, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/11/41897368/apple-ordered-by-eu-to-end-geo-blocking-on-app-store-itunes-and-other-apps" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Music, iTunes Store, Books, and Podcasts</a>.
Following the 2024 U.S. Presidential election, Taylor Swift's fanbase, known as "Swifties," have reportedly started leaving Elon Musk‘s social media platform X, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/41872302/taylor-swift-fans-abandon-elon-musks-x-for-bluesky-how-trumps-election-victory-triggered-swifties-uprising" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">formerly </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/41872302/taylor-swift-fans-abandon-elon-musks-x-for-bluesky-how-trumps-election-victory-triggered-swifties-uprising" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/41872302/taylor-swift-fans-abandon-elon-musks-x-for-bluesky-how-trumps-election-victory-triggered-swifties-uprising" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">, for </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/41872302/taylor-swift-fans-abandon-elon-musks-x-for-bluesky-how-trumps-election-victory-triggered-swifties-uprising" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bluesky</a>.
Gaming
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) Gaming CEO&nbsp;Phil Spencer&nbsp;has confirmed the company has its sights set on a handheld gaming device under the Xbox brand. He did temper expectations, saying the device is <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/11/41948549/xbox-handheld-a-few-years-out-says-microsoft-gaming-ceo-hints-at-cross-platform-games-new-acquisitions" rel="noreferrer noopener">still &#8220;a few years out&#8221;&nbsp;from release</a>.
Nintendo Co., Ltd. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTDOY#OTC">NTDOY</a>) filed a lawsuit against a gamer for allegedly streaming pirated games <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/11/41887408/nintendo-sues-streamer-over-pirated-games-claims-millions-dollars-lost-revenue" rel="noreferrer noopener">before their&nbsp;official release dates</a>.
Valve is launching a limited-edition Steam Deck OLED: White Edition on Nov. 18, with global <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/11/41914135/valves-steam-deck-oled-gets-makeover-heres-what-you-need-to-know" rel="noreferrer noopener">availability and limited stock.</a>
Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/11/41884190/did-rockstar-drop-gta-6-trailer-hint-fans-spot-moon-clue-pointing-to-nov-22" rel="noreferrer noopener">Did Rockstar Drop GTA 6 Trailer Hint? Fans Spot Moon Clue Pointing To Nov. 22</a>
Smartphones
Apple introduced an automatic reboot feature for idle&nbsp;iPhones in its latest&nbsp;iOS 18.1 update <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/11/41873261/apples-ios-18-1-update-adds-inactivity-reboot-to-lock-down-unused-iphones-heres-how-it-protects-your-privacy" rel="noreferrer noopener">to bolster device security</a>.
Apple has begun selling repair parts&nbsp;for its latest&nbsp;iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models via <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/11/41870693/apple-starts-selling-iphone-16-repair-parts-heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-diy-fixes-for-your-iphone" rel="noreferrer noopener">its self-service repair store</a>.
Apple reportedly plans to make its "first foray" into the smart home IP camera market in 2026, aiming for "tens of millions" of annual shipments, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/11/41891237/apples-smart-camera-coming-in-2026-cupertino-eyeing-tens-of-millions-in-annual-shipments-says-top-supply-chain-analyst" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/11/41891237/apples-smart-camera-coming-in-2026-cupertino-eyeing-tens-of-millions-in-annual-shipments-says-top-supply-chain-analyst" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ming-Chi Kuo</a>.
Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/11/41894509/apples-next-big-bet-think-smaller-says-analyst-there-will-never-be-another-iphone" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple&#8217;s Next Big Bet? Think Smaller, Says Analyst: &#8216;There Will Never Be Another… iPhone&#8217;</a>
Apple reportedly plans to unveil a new AI wall tablet to challenge&nbsp;Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) and&nbsp;Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/11/41928049/apples-new-ai-wall-tablet-with-siri-and-video-calling-set-to-challenge-amazon-and-google-in-smart-home-race" rel="noreferrer noopener">in the smart home race</a>.
Apple announced a new feature for its Find My app that allows users to share the location of lost items <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/11/41931360/apples-airtag-users-can-now-share-location-with-airlines-for-faster-recovery-of-lost-luggage" rel="noreferrer noopener">with third parties, including airlines</a>.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/11/41931521/apples-2024-mac-mini-is-a-compact-powerhouse-but-its-power-button-placement-is-not-the-most-accessible-here-are-some-workable-fixes" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple&#8217;s 2024 Mac Mini Is A Compact Powerhouse, But Its Power Button Placement Is Not The Most Accessible: Here Are Some Workable Fixes</a>
Consumer group&nbsp;Which?&nbsp;has filed a £3 billion ($3.81 billion) legal claim against&nbsp;Apple, accusing the tech giant of breaching U.K. competition law <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/11/41964915/apple-faces-legal-action-over-rip-off-icloud-charges-could-pay-out-38b-to-uk-customers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">through its&nbsp;iCloud service</a>.
Online Retail
In a move to attract holiday shoppers,&nbsp;Amazon.com rolled out early Black Friday discounts on a range of&nbsp;Apple products. These deals offer significant savings on the latest MacBook Pro, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/11/41872968/amazon-offers-early-black-friday-deals-with-up-to-350-off-on-apple-macbooks-heres-more" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mac mini, and MacBook Air models</a>.
Amazon is reportedly&nbsp;developing smart eyeglasses for its&nbsp;delivery drivers, aiming to streamline&nbsp;the final stretch of an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/11/41891126/amazons-new-smart-eyeglasses-for-drivers-aim-to-shave-seconds-off-deliveries-but-theres-more-than-what-meets-the-eye" rel="noreferrer noopener">order's journey to a customer's&nbsp;home</a>.
Amazon is preparing to introduce its newest artificial intelligence chips in December. His strategic move aims to leverage Amazon's significant investments in semiconductors and reduce reliance on Jensen <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/11/41895759/amazon-set-to-introduce-new-ai-chips-in-december-to-rival-jensen-huangs-ai-stalwart-we-want-to-be-absolutely-the-best-place-to-run-nvidia" rel="noreferrer noopener">Huang's&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/11/41895759/amazon-set-to-introduce-new-ai-chips-in-december-to-rival-jensen-huangs-ai-stalwart-we-want-to-be-absolutely-the-best-place-to-run-nvidia" rel="noreferrer noopener">NVIDIA Corporation </a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/11/41895759/amazon-set-to-introduce-new-ai-chips-in-december-to-rival-jensen-huangs-ai-stalwart-we-want-to-be-absolutely-the-best-place-to-run-nvidia" rel="noreferrer noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>)</a>.
Amazon.com&nbsp;confirmed a vendor data breach exposing employee contact information, linking the company to the widening&nbsp;MOVEit&nbsp;hack. The exact number of affected employees is unclear, but a screenshot from the hacking forum shows over 2.8 million lines <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/11/41927913/amazon-confirms-vendor-data-breach-affecting-2-8m-employee-contacts-adds-to-growing-list-of-moveit-hack-victims" rel="noreferrer noopener">in the alleged Amazon dataset</a>.
Socia Media &amp; Technology
Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>)&nbsp;is reportedly planning to introduce ads on its&nbsp;Threads&nbsp;platform in early 2025 as&nbsp;Elon Musk's X&nbsp;is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/24/11/41963996/mark-zuckerbergs-meta-eyes-2025-to-introduce-ads-on-threads-as-elon-musks-x-loses-favor-with-major-brands-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">losing favor with major brands</a>.
Several prominent French media organizations, including those owned by billionaire&nbsp;Bernard Arnault, have filed a lawsuit against&nbsp;Elon Musk's&nbsp;social media platform&nbsp;X&nbsp;for allegedly using <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/24/11/41964636/elon-musk-bernard-arnault-once-discussed-potential-spacex-louis-vuitton-collab-the-french-billionaires-media-group-has-now-sued-x-over-alleged-unpaid-content-use" rel="noreferrer noopener">their content without compensation</a>.
Google Gemini&nbsp;app has been spotted as a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/11/41891904/googles-standalone-gemini-app-for-iphone-spotted-with-live-activity-what-it-could-mean-for-your-ai-experience" rel="noreferrer noopener">standalone&nbsp;app on the&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/11/41891904/googles-standalone-gemini-app-for-iphone-spotted-with-live-activity-what-it-could-mean-for-your-ai-experience" rel="noreferrer noopener">App Store</a>.
Microsoft President&nbsp;Brad Smith&nbsp;emphasized China's swift technological advancements, suggesting they <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/11/41939983/microsoft-president-warns-beijings-tech-progress-is-catching-up-with-the-west-people-who-dont-go-to-china-too-often-assume-theyre-behind" rel="noreferrer noopener">are on par with Western nations</a>.
Artificial Intelligence
To counter AI-driven misinformation,&nbsp;OpenAI's ChatGPT&nbsp;rejected 250,000 deepfake image requests of candidates in the month<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/41870783/chatgpt-denies-250k-deepfake-requests-in-lead-up-to-election-day-aiming-to-curb-ai-driven-misinformation-in-2024-presidential-race" rel="noreferrer noopener"> before the&nbsp;2024 election</a>.
OpenAI CEO&nbsp;Sam Altman&nbsp;has expressed his appreciation for&nbsp;Tesla&nbsp;and&nbsp;SpaceX&nbsp;CEO&nbsp;Elon Musk's&nbsp;initial financial <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/41893707/openai-ceo-sam-altman-thanks-elon-musk-for-early-support-in-chatgpts-rise-and-shares-advice-hed-give-his-younger-self-at-stanford" rel="noreferrer noopener">backing&nbsp;in&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/41893707/openai-ceo-sam-altman-thanks-elon-musk-for-early-support-in-chatgpts-rise-and-shares-advice-hed-give-his-younger-self-at-stanford" rel="noreferrer noopener">ChatGPT</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/41893707/openai-ceo-sam-altman-thanks-elon-musk-for-early-support-in-chatgpts-rise-and-shares-advice-hed-give-his-younger-self-at-stanford" rel="noreferrer noopener">-parent</a>.
OpenAI co-founder&nbsp;Greg Brockman&nbsp;has announced his comeback to the AI startup<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/11/41927135/greg-brockman-returns-to-work-at-chatgpts-parent-company-back-to-building-openai" rel="noreferrer noopener"> after a three-month leave</a>.
OpenAI&nbsp;reportedly plans to launch a new&nbsp;AI agent, codenamed <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/11/41964846/openais-operator-ai-agent-will-perform-tasks-like-coding-travel-booking-and-more-launch-expected-in-january-next-year-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">&#8220;Operator,&#8221; in January</a>.
Dario Amodei, CEO of&nbsp;Anthropic, predicts&nbsp;AGI could become&nbsp;a reality by 2026 or 2027 but warns that external <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/11/41928832/anthropic-ceo-says-ai-similar-to-human-intelligence-could-be-around-the-corner-well-get-there-by-2026-or-2027" rel="noreferrer noopener">factors may delay progress</a>.
Unbabel, a startup based in Lisbon, has introduced a new AI-powered translation service called Widn.AI. The company's CEO,&nbsp;Vasco Pedro, predicts that human translators might become<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/11/41932536/ai-coming-for-translator-jobs-this-ceo-says-humans-wont-be-needed-for-translation-except-most-difficult-use-cases-in-3-years" rel="noreferrer noopener"> obsolete within the next three years</a>.

Consumer Tech News (November 11-15): Apple Plans To Launch An AI Wall Tablet, Meta Plans To Introduce Ads On Threads & More

Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has confirmed the company has its sights set on a handheld gaming device under the Xbox brand. He did temper expectations, saying the device is still "a few years out" <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming">from release.</a>
In an <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-11-13/microsoft-s-gaming-chief-is-still-looking-for-acquisitions-sees-future-growth">interview</a> with Bloomberg, Spencer mentioned Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) is already working with prototypes, exploring what an Xbox handheld could bring to the market. &#8220;The expectation is that we would do something,&#8221; he said.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Xbox's Handheld Goals: Playable Anywhere, Anytime</h1>
Spencer has been hinting at Xbox's handheld ambitions for some time. In a <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/phil-spencer-on-xbox-handheld-rumors-being-able-to-play-games-locally-is-really-important-ign-live-2024">conversation</a> with IGN in June, he showed enthusiasm for new form factors and the "different ways to play" that an Xbox handheld could offer. "The future for us in hardware is pretty awesome," he continued.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/06/39256208/xbox-handheld-incoming-we-should-have-one-too-says-xbox-chief-phil-spencer">Xbox Handheld Incoming? &#8216;We Should Have One Too,&#8217; Says Xbox Chief Phil Spencer</a>
While the development process continues, Microsoft is working on improvements to the Xbox app to enhance the experience for gamers on existing handhelds, such as the Steam Deck. 
According to Spencer, this is a short-term goal that aligns with Xbox's broader vision of making games accessible wherever players are. "Longer term, I love us building devices," he said, adding the hardware team is capable of doing "some real innovative work" in the space.
Spencer also pointed out the importance of local gameplay, suggesting that a future Xbox handheld might combine downloadable play with cloud capabilities. "I think being able to play games locally is really important."
This isn't Microsoft's first consideration of a handheld device. Documents leaked last fall hinted at a potential Xbox handheld.
Although Spencer later noted those documents were outdated, they showed the company has long considered the idea. In the meantime, the Xbox team has been studying the successes of devices such as Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Expanding Xbox&#8217;s Reach: Games On PlayStation And Nintendo</h1>
Beyond hardware, Spencer hinted Xbox games might appear on Sony Group Corp.&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SONY#NYSE">SONY</a>) PlayStation and Nintendo ADR (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTDOY#OTC">NTDOY</a>) consoles in the future. &#8220;I do not see sort of red lines in our portfolio that say ‘thou must not,'&#8221; Spencer said. Xbox has already taken steps in this direction, with recent games like Pentiment, Hi-Fi Rush, Grounded and Sea of Thieves appearing across Nintendo and PlayStation.
Spencer also touched on future plans for the Halo series, which is now being developed in the cross-platform-friendly Unreal Engine. This shift may open up possibilities for broader availability of Microsoft's flagship title. 
Meanwhile, Spencer confirmed Xbox's interest in acquiring more studios, particularly in regions like Asia, where Xbox is looking to grow its presence. He acknowledged another acquisition on the scale of Activision Blizzard ($68.7 billion) isn't likely in the immediate future
&#8220;The business is performing right now, and I think that means a more healthy future for hardware and the games we build,&#8221; he said. 
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/03/37924898/phil-spencers-xbox-handheld-vision-unveiled-seamless-integration-full-screen-app-and-what-else-to-">Phil Spencer&#8217;s Xbox Handheld Vision Unveiled: &#8216;Seamless Integration, Full-Screen App&#8217; And What Else To Expect</a></li>
</ul>

General

Xbox Handheld 'A Few Years Out,' Says Microsoft Gaming CEO; Hints At Cross-Platform Games, New Acquisitions

Nintendo ADR (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTDOY#OTC">NTDOY</a>) filed a lawsuit against a gamer for allegedly streaming pirated games before their <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming">official release dates</a>.
The lawsuit, <a href="https://www.scribd.com/document/789755286/Nintendo-vs-Keighin">filed </a>Wednesday in a Colorado court, states that Jesse Keighin, also known as Every Game Guru, streamed 10 unreleased Nintendo games over the past 10 years.
The company claims Keighin also instructed his viewers on how to obtain these games early, an act Nintendo labels as &#8220;trafficking&#8221; in illegal &#8220;circumvention devices&#8221; like emulators and game access keys.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/24/11/41853052/how-much-is-nintendo-suing-palworld-for-patents-financial-details-unveiled">How Much Is Nintendo Suing Palworld For? Patents, Financial Details Unveiled</a>
Benzinga has reached out to Nintendo for comment, but the company has not responded as of the time of publication.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Nintendo's Aggressive Stance On Piracy And Streamers</h3>
This legal action follows Nintendo&#8217;s recent update to its guidelines on game content, which says that pirated or unreleased content should not be spread online. 
Nintendo has a<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/07/39624481/nintendo-escalates-anti-piracy-campaign-with-lawsuit-against-modded-hardware"> long history of aggressively defending its intellectual property</a>, from suing ROM distributors and emulation developers to issuing takedown notices for pirated content on platforms like YouTube and Twitch. This lawsuit, however, represents one of the first times the company has taken a streamer to court over broadcasting pirated games.
The lawsuit states that streaming unreleased games &#8220;normalizes and encourages prerelease piracy,&#8221; arguing that Keighin's broadcasts &#8220;signal to viewers that they too should acquire a pirated copy and play the game now, without waiting for its release and without paying for it.&#8221; 
Nintendo's lawyers further argue that prerelease piracy harms &#8220;law-abiding Nintendo customers who may have been waiting for a particular game release for months or years, and then may see gameplay and spoilers online that ruin their own surprise and delight when experiencing the game.&#8221;
Nintendo claims that these actions have caused &#8220;millions of dollars&#8221; in lost sales and that the infringement has harmed their business.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Nintendo Seeks Compensation And Shutdown Of Pirated Streams</h3>
The company has reportedly issued multiple takedown notices for Keighin's streams on YouTube, Twitch, Kick, Loco, and other platforms. Although many of Keighin's accounts have been deleted, several remain active, with streams still showcasing pirated titles.
According to the lawsuit, Keighin responded to Nintendo's notices by claiming he had &#8220;a thousand burner accounts&#8221; and that he could &#8220;do this all day,&#8221; indicating his intention to continue streaming pirated content.
Benzinga has requested a comment from Keighin, but he has yet to respond at the time of publication.
The lawsuit alleges that he streamed pirated games more than 50 times in the last two years, including Mario &amp; Luigi Brothership 16 days before its Nov. 7 release date and Super Mario Party Jamboree six days prior to its Oct. 17 release. Nintendo further claims Keighin played these games on a Windows PC or a hacked Nintendo Switch, circumventing the company&#8217;s technological protections.
A Nintendo spokesperson <a href="https://www.polygon.com/news/476472/nintendo-lawsuit-pirated-games-streamed">told</a> Polygon: &#8220;We can confirm that we filed a lawsuit against an individual who has engaged and continues to engage in clear infringement of Nintendo's IP rights, as well as violations of our Game Content Guidelines.&#8221;
&#8220;Nintendo is passionate about protecting the creative works of game developers and publishers who expend significant time and effort to create experiences that bring smiles to all,&#8221; the spokesperson added.
Nintendo is seeking to have Keighin's operations shut down, demanding that his streams and videos be taken down, and requesting the seizure of emulators, hacked devices, and hard drives containing pirated games. 
The company is seeking $150,000 for each violation of Nintendo&#8217;s rights under the Copyright Act. It also wants $2,500 for each alleged violation of the anti-circumvention and anti-trafficking provisions of the Act.
Alternatively, Nintendo may opt to seek &#8220;actual damages&#8221; and any profits Keighin has gained through these activities, &#8220;in amounts to be proven at trial.&#8221;
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/05/38620122/nintendo-removes-over-8-500-yuzu-emulator-copies-in-dmca-takedown">Nintendo Removes Over 8,500 Yuzu Emulator Copies In DMCA Takedown</a></li>
</ul>
Image credits: Shutterstock.

Nintendo Sues Streamer Over Pirated Games, Claims 'Millions Of Dollars' In Lost Revenue

Nintendo ADR (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTDOY#OTC">NTDOY</a>) and The Pokémon Company have taken legal action against Pocketpair, the developer behind Palworld, claiming <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/09/40962380/nintendos-killer-patent-could-crush-palworlds-monster-catching-gameplay-expert-warns">patent infringement in Japan. </a>
This lawsuit, involves claims for financial damages and an injunction against Palworld's release in Japan.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Nintendo's Patent-Based Lawsuit Targets Key Features</h3>
Unlike a typical copyright claim, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have pursued the lawsuit under patent law. They are demanding 5 million yen (approximately $32,846) each, plus additional damages for delayed payment, Pocketpair <a href="https://www.pocketpair.jp/news/20241108">said</a> in a statement.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/06/39491189/pok-mon-palworld-controversy-teaches-this-developer-a-lesson-i-try-to-avoid-creating-new-things">Pokémon, Palworld Controversy Teaches This Developer A Lesson: &#8216;I Try To Avoid Creating New Things&#8217;</a>
The lawsuit also aims to block the release of Palworld entirely, an action that could halt the game's availability on major platforms, including PC, Microsoft Corp.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) Xbox, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/10/41191072/palworld-finally-hits-ps5-in-japan-after-legal-issues-with-nintendo">and more recently, Sony Group Corp.&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SONY#NYSE">SONY</a>) PlayStation.</a>
The patents at the center of this dispute are reportedly tied to core gameplay mechanics that fans recognize from the Pokémon series. 
These include the concept of catching creatures in an open field, a system recently popularized by Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and the ability to ride on top of creatures—both features that Palworld integrates into its gameplay.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Similarities Stir Controversy Among Fans</h3>
Since Palworld&#8217;s initial release, fans and industry watchers have debated its close resemblance to Pokémon games, with many pointing to particular Pals as near-replicas of well-known Pokémon. For example, the Pal named Sparkit resembles Pikachu in its design—a small, yellow, furry electric creature—though it maintains unique design elements. Similarly, Foxparks, a fire-based fox, is reminiscent of both Vulpix and Charmander, featuring a flaming tail.
Adding to the debate, the creature Mozzarina closely resembles Snorlax in expression and shape, while Grintale shares a likeness with Galarian Meowth. 
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Pocketpair's Response: A Battle On Legal Grounds</h3>
Pocketpair has responded decisively, saying it will defend its position in court. In a statement, the company said: "We will continue to assert our position in this case through future legal proceedings." 
With Palworld already seeing commercial success and now launched on PS5, Pocketpair remains committed to preserving the game&#8217;s availability.
The contested patents, which include:
<ul>
<li>Patent No. 7545191 (filed July 30, 2024; registered August 27, 2024)</li>
<li>Patent No. 7493117 (filed February 26, 2024; registered May 22, 2024)</li>
<li>Patent No. 7528390 (filed March 5, 2024; registered July 26, 2024)</li>
</ul>
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/07/39624481/nintendo-escalates-anti-piracy-campaign-with-lawsuit-against-modded-hardware">Nintendo Escalates Anti-Piracy Campaign With Lawsuit Against Modded Hardware</a></li>
</ul>
Image credits: Shutterstock.

Legal

How Much Is Nintendo Suing Palworld For? Patents, Financial Details Unveiled

Nintendo ADR (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTDOY#OTC">NTDOY</a>) confirmed its next gaming console, often referred to as the Switch 2, will support backward compatibility with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming">Nintendo Switch games. </a>
Shuntaro Furukawa, Nintendo's president, shared the news this morning on X: "At today&#8217;s Corporate Management Policy Briefing, we announced that Nintendo Switch software will also be playable on the successor to Nintendo Switch." 
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/11/41755109/nintendo-reduces-switch-sales-target-eyes-2025-for-next-gen-console-unveil">Nintendo Reduces Switch Sales Target, Eyes 2025 For Next-Gen Console Unveil</a>
The eagerly anticipated console is projected for a 2025 release.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">This is Furukawa. At today&#39;s Corporate Management Policy Briefing, we announced that Nintendo Switch software will also be playable on the successor to Nintendo Switch. Nintendo Switch Online will be available on the successor to Nintendo Switch as well. Further information about…
&mdash; 任天堂株式会社（企業広報・IR） (@NintendoCoLtd) <a href="https://twitter.com/NintendoCoLtd/status/1853972163033968794?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Nintendo Switch Online To Transition to Switch 2</h1>
Alongside backward compatibility, Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) will also be available on the upcoming console, providing subscribers a smooth transition to the next-gen system. 
With over 34 million active members as of Sept. 30, 2024, NSO has become a significant component of Nintendo's revenue and fan engagement. 
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Investor Optimism And Market Response</h1>
The announcement sparked an optimistic response from investors, with Nintendo's stock closing up by 5.8% at 3:30 p.m. Japan time. 
Serkan Toto, CEO of the gaming consultancy Kantan Games, <a href="https://x.com/serkantoto/status/1854050495566061608">noted</a> the significance of the market's reaction on X: "Investors think this is a sign Nintendo&#8217;s next device will not be a risky experiment but rather a continuation." 
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Nintendo Switch Sales Update</h1>
While the announcement brought positive news for Nintendo's future, the company adjusted its projections for the current Nintendo Switch console.
As of the end of September, Switch hardware sales were down 31% year-over-year, prompting a reduction in Nintendo's sales forecast from 13.5 million units to 12.5 million for the fiscal year. 
To date, the Nintendo Switch sold over 146 million units globally, and Nintendo revealed over 100 million people of all ages continue to play the console.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40375035/nintendos-switch-2-delay-what-we-know-about-the-upcoming-console">Nintendo&#8217;s &#8220;Switch 2&#8221; Delay: What We Know About The Upcoming Console</a></li>
</ul>
Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/es/@awmleer?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash">卡晨</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/es/fotos/mando-a-distancia-rojo-y-negro--V-4-FJ0o8k?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a>.

Global

Nintendo's Switch 2 Will Be Backward Compatible, President Confirms

Nintendo ADR (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTDOY#OTC">NTDOY</a>) has reduced its annual sales forecast for the Nintendo Switch, with plans to announce a successor console by the end of the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming">current fiscal year. </a>
The company revised its projected Switch sales for the fiscal year ending March 2025, cutting the target from 13.5 million units to 12.5 million. 
The adjustment comes as the popular console enters its eighth year on the market. Nintendo also lowered its forecasts for total sales, adjusting down from 1.35 trillion yen (approx. $8,900,955,000) to 1.28 trillion yen, and operating profit from 400 billion yen to 360 billion yen, IGN <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/as-the-world-waits-for-nintendo-to-announce-switch-2-sales-of-the-switch-continue-to-plummet">reported.</a>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/11/41725114/pok-mon-tcg-pocket-earns-12-million-in-four-days-fueled-by-u-s-downloads">Pokémon TCG Pocket Earns $12 Million In Four Days, Fueled By U.S. Downloads</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Switch Sales Slow In Its Eighth Year On The Market</h3>
Sales figures for the Switch have dropped considerably in 2024. For the six months ending Sept. 30, Nintendo reported 4.72 million units sold, down 31% from 6.84 million during the same period last year. 
Software sales also declined, with nearly 70.28 million units sold—a 28% drop year-over-year. Nintendo attributed last year's strong performance to the success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, which boosted hardware and software sales.
&#8220;Unit sales of both hardware and software were extremely high for the first half of the previous fiscal year,&#8221; Nintendo said. "There were no such special factors in the first half of this fiscal year, and with Nintendo Switch now in its eighth year since launch, unit sales of both hardware and software decreased significantly year-on-year."
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">New Releases Show Steady, If Modest, Results</h3>
Nintendo's recent game releases have performed well, though overall sales remain down.
<ul>
<li>September's The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom sold 2.58 million units.</li>
<li>Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, released in May, sold 1.94 million units</li>
<li>Luigi's Mansion 2 HD, released in June, sold 1.57 million.</li>
<li>Mario Kart 8 Deluxe continues to see strong sales, moving another 2.31 million copies and bringing its lifetime total to 64.27 million units sold.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Nintendo's Focus Remains On Expanding Switch Appeal</h3>
Nintendo confirmed its commitment to supporting the Switch for the near term, with several new releases in the pipeline. 
Upcoming titles include Mario &amp; Luigi: Brothership, which arrives this week, and Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, scheduled for January 2025. 
"By continuing to convey the appeal of Nintendo Switch, we try to not only put one system in every home, but several in every home, or even one for every person," Nintendo said in a statement, aiming to keep the console relevant as it approaches the end of its lifecycle.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Next-Gen Console Likely To Arrive In 2025</h3>
Nintendo has provided little detail on its next console, but President Shuntaro Furukawa confirmed that an announcement is on track for March 2025, <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/nintendo-says-switch-2-still-on-course-for-announcement-before-end-of-fiscal-year">as per</a> Eurogamer.
Analysts suggest that the company is likely to hold off on making this reveal until after the holiday shopping season, to avoid impacting current Switch sales. Toyo Securities analyst Hideki Yasuda added: "You would not want to divert attention to an upcoming console in the middle of the critical year-end shopping season.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/09/41074683/in-a-competitive-console-landscape-nintendo-says-it-will-not-get-involved-in-the-game-war">In A Competitive Console Landscape, Nintendo Says It Will Not &#8216;Get Involved In The Game War&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Image credits: Shutterstock.

Nintendo Reduces Switch Sales Target, Eyes 2025 For Next-Gen Console Unveil

Earnings

Nintendo Reports ¥524B Net Sales For 6 Months Ended Sept. 30, 2024 Vs ¥796.23B YoY

Nintendo ADR&#8216;s (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTDOY#OTC">NTDOY</a>) Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) has once again demonstrated the franchise's enduring appeal, with its latest mobile entry, Pokémon TCG Pocket, raking in over $12 million in just four <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming">days since launch. </a>
According to estimates from Appmagic, <a href="https://mobilegamer.biz/pokemon-tcg-pocket-is-earning-over-3m-per-day-with-over-12m-banked-to-date/">published</a> by MobileGamer.biz, the app generated approximately $3 million per day during its debut weekend alone.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Japan Leads In Revenue; U.S. Takes Top Spot For Downloads</h1>
A breakdown of the game's performance reveals Japan as the top revenue-generating region, contributing 45% of all in-game spending. The U.S. follows, accounting for 25% of the game's revenue. Hong Kong and Taiwan are tied in third place, each contributing 4%.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/09/40962380/nintendos-killer-patent-could-crush-palworlds-monster-catching-gameplay-expert-warns">Nintendo&#8217;s &#8216;Killer Patent&#8217; Could Crush Palworld&#8217;s Monster-Catching Gameplay, Expert Warns</a>
While Japan drives the highest revenue, the U.S. leads in terms of downloads, representing 29% of total installs. Brazil follows with 11%, while Mexico claims 6%. Surprisingly, Japan accounts for only 4% of total downloads, matched by the U.K., France, and Germany.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">iOS Dominates Revenue Figures</h1>
When looking at platform-specific performance, iOS users have significantly outspent their Android counterparts, generating an estimated $10.5 million of the $12.1 million total revenue. This heavy engagement from iOS users reflects a trend in the mobile gaming market, where Apple's platform frequently generates more revenue per user.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">10 Million Downloads In Days, And Counting</h1>
The game's popularity continues to soar. Pokémon TCG Pocket's official account on X announced it surpassed 10 million downloads within the first four days of its launch, with Appmagic estimating this rose to 12 million the following day. 
Pokémon TCG Pocket's strong performance shows the franchise's versatility across multiple media formats. Initially launched as a tabletop game in the late 1990s, the Pokémon Trading Card Game has evolved with digital iterations, and this latest mobile version appears to have resonated with fans worldwide. 
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/05/38799011/gamestop-dives-into-collectibles-market-with-pok-mon-trading-cards">GameStop Dives Into Collectibles Market With Pokémon Trading Cards</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock.

Pokémon TCG Pocket Earns $12 Million In Four Days, Fueled By U.S. Downloads

JAKK

JAKKS Pacific Announces Fall Launch Of Nintendo, Legend Of Zelda, And Metroid Prime Products For Holiday Season; New Super Mario Playset, Link And Samus Action Figures, And Mario Kart R/C Racer Available At Major Retailers; Extends Multi-Year Licensing Deal With Nintendo

Bandai Namco Holdings ADR (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NCBDY#OTC">NCBDY</a>) is facing internal shifts in its Japanese workforce following recent reports of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming">project cancellations. </a>
Despite a strong release from its latest anime-based game, Dragon Ball Z: Sparking! Zero, which sold over 3 million units within 24 hours, Bandai Namco Studios is reportedly cutting down on staff indirectly and halting multiple projects due to declining demand.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Workforce Struggles And Voluntary Exits</h3>
According <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-10-15/bandai-namco-begins-to-cut-headcount-after-culling-game-titles?srnd=undefined&amp;embedded-checkout=true">to</a> Bloomberg, around 200 of Bandai Namco Studios&#8217; approximately 1,300 Japanese employees have been placed in a controversial employment situation since April.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/08/40557824/bandai-namco-ceo-2024-is-the-year-of-stabilization-for-gaming-industry">Bandai Namco CEO: &#8216;2024 Is The Year Of Stabilization&#8217; For Gaming Industry</a>
Workers are allegedly being reassigned to so-called &#8220;oidashi beya,&#8221; or &#8220;chasing-out rooms,&#8221; where they have no tasks, pushing them to resign voluntarily. As of this report, nearly 100 staff members have quit under this pressure.
While Bandai Namco denies the practice, stating that there are no such rooms designated to encourage voluntary exits, the company acknowledges periods where employees may experience delays in being reassigned to new projects.
A Bandai Namco representative said: "Our decisions to discontinue games are based on comprehensive assessments of the situation. Some employees may need to wait a certain amount of time before they are assigned their next project, but we do move forward with assignments as new projects emerge."
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Project Cancellations And Financial Woes</h3>
This workforce shift coincides with Bandai Namco&#8217;s decision to overhaul its game development pipeline. The company reported 21 billion yen in writedowns (approximately $140 million) over the three quarters leading to December. 
Notable projects that have been scrapped or delayed include several anime-based games, such as titles tied to Naruto and One Piece, as well as the Japan-only MMORPG Blue Protocol, which was canceled just before its global release under Amazon Games' banner. 
Additionally, the mobile game Tales of the Rays was shut down in Japan in July, following similar trends of halted projects.
There are even rumors that project, commission by Nintendo ADR (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTDOY#OTC">NTDOY</a>), has been paused. No official details have surfaced regarding the delay.
While these internal challenges loom, Dragon Ball Z: Sparking! Zero has emerged as a bright spot for the company. The game saw rapid success. Some 3 million units were sold in its first day of release and a peak concurrent player count of over 122,000 on Steam alone. PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S versions also contributed to the overwhelming response.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/10/41319267/us-gaming-market-sees-7-spending-decline-in-august-madden-nfl-25-debut-a-bright-spot">US Gaming Market Sees 7% Spending Decline In August: Madden NFL 25 Debut A Bright Spot</a></li>
</ul>

Asia

Markets

Inside Bandai Namco's Workforce Struggles: 100 Staff Members Quit During Project Overhauls

The latest figures from Circana reveal a dip in U.S. video game spending for August 2024, with total expenditure dropping 7% year-on-year to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming">$4.1 billion. </a>
Hardware sales fell by 36%, down to $208 million, compared to August 2023. This decline was most pronounced for Nintendo ADR&#8216;s (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTDOY#OTC">NTDOY</a>) Nintendo Switch, which saw a 41% drop in sales, GamesIndustry.biz <a href="https://www.gamesindustry.biz/august-spending-drops-7-to-41bn-despite-madden-and-mobile-success-us-monthly-charts">reported.</a>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/10/41318405/microsoft-to-test-cloud-gaming-for-owned-xbox-games-in-november-report">Microsoft To Test Cloud Gaming For Owned Xbox Games In November: Report</a>
Despite the downturn in hardware spending, Sony Group Corp.&#8216;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SONY#NYSE">SONY</a>) PlayStation 5 continued to hold its position as the bestselling console for the month.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Video Game Content Spending Declines, But Mobile Shows Growth</h1>
Overall video game content spending, which includes physical and digital game sales, microtransactions, DLC and subscriptions, dropped by 5% to $3.7 billion.
While this decline affected multiple platforms, there was a bright spot: mobile content spending grew by 5%, according to data from Sensor Tower. 
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Madden NFL 25 Tops The Charts, EA Continues Its Dominance</h1>
August saw the release of Electronic Arts Inc&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EA#NASDAQ">EA</a>) Madden NFL 25, which claimed the top spot as the best-selling game for the month. This marks the 25th consecutive year that a Madden title has achieved the highest sales in its debut month.
EA Sports College Football 25, which was last month's No.1, slipped to second place but maintained its position as the top-selling game of the year so far, surpassing Helldivers 2. Interestingly, the EA Sports MVP Bundle, featuring deluxe editions of both College Football and Madden, also made its mark, landing as the fifth biggest seller of the year and the fourth highest in August.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">New Releases Make Strong Debuts</h1>
Three other new releases made impressive entries into the top 20 for August. Ubisoft Entertainment SA's (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UBSFF#OTC">UBSFF</a>) Star Wars: Outlaws debuted at No.3, signaling strong interest in the long-awaited open-world title. 
Square Enix Holdings Co.'s (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SQNXF#OTC">SQNXF</a>) Visions of Mana landed at No.10, while Bandai Namco Holdings ADR's (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NCBDY#OTC">NCBDY</a>) Gundam Breaker 4 secured the 11th spot.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Stable Year-To-Date Spending Despite August Declines</h1>
Despite the August dip, the U.S. games market remains stable for the year overall. Year-to-date spending reached $36.3 billion, a 1% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
While hardware sales continue to struggle, dropping 28% to $2.3 billion, video game content spending has risen by 4% to $32.3 billion, highlighting the continued demand for digital entertainment and services.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Top-Selling Games Of August 2024</h1>
Here's the list of the top 20 selling games for August, according to Circana:
<ol>
<li>Madden NFL 25</li>
<li>EA Sports College Football</li>
<li>Star Wars: Outlaws</li>
<li>EA Sports MVP Bundle</li>
<li>Elden Ring</li>
<li>Hogwarts Legacy</li>
<li>Minecraft</li>
<li>Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3</li>
<li>Marvel's Spider-Man 2</li>
<li>Visions of Mana</li>
<li>Gundam Breaker 4</li>
<li>The Elder Scrolls Online</li>
<li>Helldivers 2</li>
<li>Mario Kart 8</li>
<li>Ghost of Tsushima</li>
<li>Sea of Thieves</li>
<li>MLB The Show 24</li>
<li>Forza Horizon 5</li>
<li>Gran Turismo 7</li>
<li>EA Sports FC 24</li>
</ol>
Read Next: • <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/10/41277228/playstation-plus-october-2024-dead-island-2-leads-spooky-lineup-of-14-games">PlayStation Plus October 2024: Dead Island 2 Leads Spooky Lineup Of 14 Games</a>
Photo: Shutterstock.

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US Gaming Market Sees 7% Spending Decline In August: Madden NFL 25 Debut A Bright Spot

The Internet Archive, a&nbsp;global digital library, has suffered a significant security breach and a DDoS attack, compromising <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41266620/internet-archive-hit-by-major-security-breach-and-ddos-attack-31-million-accounts-compromised" rel="noreferrer noopener">data of 31 million accounts</a>.
Following a court ruling, Turkey has banned the widely-used instant messaging platform Discord, according to the country's Information Technologies and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41243847/erdo-ans-justice-minister-speaks-up-on-discord-ban-in-turkey-we-are-determined-to-protect-our-youth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communication Authority or BTK</a>.
The U.N. revealed in a report that the messaging app&nbsp;Telegram, an&nbsp;encrypted messaging app, has been identified as a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41221289/telegram-the-new-frontier-for-criminal-gangs-un-report-uncovers-alarming-trends-in-organized-crime" rel="noreferrer noopener">major platform for criminal activities</a>.
In a cyberattack linked to the Chinese government, major U.S. broadband providers have reportedly been breached, potentially compromising systems used for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41200026/chinese-hackers-breach-at-t-verizon-networks-in-major-wiretap-data-theft-putting-us-national-securit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">court-authorized wiretapping requests</a>.
Billionaire entrepreneur and&nbsp;Dallas Mavericks&nbsp;owner&nbsp;Mark Cuban&nbsp;has shed light on the future of linear television and streaming platforms, highlighting the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41219900/mark-cuban-on-how-tv-will-evolve-in-the-future-says-he-saw-the-rise-of-netflix-like-platforms-before" rel="noreferrer noopener">crucial&nbsp;role of sports media rights</a>.
Gaming
Nintendo Co., Ltd. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTDOY#OTC">NTDOY</a>) has officially announced the "Nintendo Switch Online: Playtest Program," allowing up to 10,000 participants to test a new feature related to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/10/41280517/how-to-join-nintendos-playtest-program-to-experience-new-switch-online-feature" rel="noreferrer noopener">the&nbsp;Nintendo Switch Online service</a>.
FIFA has announced a fresh partnership with&nbsp;Konami Group ADR, marking the return of the<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/10/41279567/fifa-partners-with-konami-for-efootball-fifae-world-cup-revival" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;FIFAe World Cup tournament</a>.
Sony Group Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SONY#NYSE">SONY</a>) has revealed the full slate of new additions coming to the PlayStation Plus Games Catalog for October 2024, giving subscribers a variety of games to look forward to across <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/10/41277228/playstation-plus-october-2024-dead-island-2-leads-spooky-lineup-of-14-games" rel="noreferrer noopener">both the&nbsp;Extra and Premium tiers</a>.
Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/10/41209970/netflix-analysts-turn-more-optimistic-ahead-of-earnings-expensive-for-a-reason" rel="noreferrer noopener">Netflix Analysts Turn More Optimistic Ahead Of Earnings: &#8216;Expensive For A Reason&#8217;</a>
Media, Communication &amp; Music
ByteDance-owned&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;is facing legal action from&nbsp;13 U.S. states and the&nbsp;District of Columbia.&nbsp;The states accuse TikTok of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41243023/tiktok-gets-sued-13-states-and-dc-accuse-chinese-platform-of-boosting-corporate-profits-via-social-m" rel="noreferrer noopener">causing harm to its younger users</a>.
Following the success of "Oppenheimer," renowned director&nbsp;Christopher Nolan has reportedly joined forces with actor&nbsp;Matt Damon for a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/10/41266961/christopher-nolan-taps-matt-damon-for-mystery-2026-imax-epic-is-universals-big-bet-likely-t" rel="noreferrer noopener">new&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/10/41266961/christopher-nolan-taps-matt-damon-for-mystery-2026-imax-epic-is-universals-big-bet-likely-t" rel="noreferrer noopener">Imax Corporation</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/10/41266961/christopher-nolan-taps-matt-damon-for-mystery-2026-imax-epic-is-universals-big-bet-likely-t" rel="noreferrer noopener"> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IMAX#NYSE">IMAX</a>)</a>.
Zoom Video Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZM#NASDAQ">ZM</a>) is gearing up to launch&nbsp;AI avatars&nbsp;that can communicate on behalf <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41265317/zoom-custom-ai-avatars-can-now-deliver-messages-to-your-team-as-you-skipping-boring-remote-meetings" rel="noreferrer noopener">of users by posing as them</a>.
Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/10/41215414/goldman-sachs-raises-forecast-on-spotify-cites-user-engagement-growth-and-potential" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goldman Sachs Raises Forecast On Spotify, Cites User Engagement Growth and Potential Deluxe Tier Revenue</a>
Technology
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>) disclosed plans for its next-gen&nbsp;MI350&nbsp;chip, aimed at competing with NVIDIA Corporation&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) new Blackwell system, with shipping anticipated&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41284533/nvidias-blackwell-chip-faces-amds-mi350-challenge-in-2025-ceo-lisa-su-says-beginning-not-the-end-of" rel="noreferrer noopener">in the second half of&nbsp;2025</a>.
Advanced Micro Devices launched several new high-performance computing solutions at the event, including fifth Gen AMD EPYC server CPUs, AMD Instinct MI325X accelerators, AMD Pensando Salina DPUs, AMD Pensando Pollara 400 NICs and AMD Ryzen AI PRO 300 series <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41282666/what-happened-with-amd-stock-today" rel="noreferrer noopener">processors for enterprise AI PCs</a>.&nbsp;
Taiwanese contract manufacturer Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. Ltd. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HNHPF#OTC">HNHPF</a>) the company, which is popularly called&nbsp;Foxconn&nbsp;is gearing up to construct the&nbsp;largest <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/10/41221276/apple-supplier-foxconn-to-build-worlds-largest-nvidia-superchip-factory-amid-soaring-ai-demand" rel="noreferrer noopener">manufacturing facility&nbsp;for&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/10/41221276/apple-supplier-foxconn-to-build-worlds-largest-nvidia-superchip-factory-amid-soaring-ai-demand" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nvidia&#8217;s </a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/10/41221276/apple-supplier-foxconn-to-build-worlds-largest-nvidia-superchip-factory-amid-soaring-ai-demand" rel="noreferrer noopener">GB200 chip</a>.
Alphabet Inc.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) Google&nbsp;is rolling out new AI-powered security features for Android devices aimed at preventing phone theft. These features, which were&nbsp;initially announced in May, are designed to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41204898/google-starts-rolling-out-ai-powered-security-features-to-combat-android-phone-theft" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automatically secure a device if it is stolen</a>.
Following&nbsp;the antitrust verdict,&nbsp;Google has made moves to halt changes <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41220186/google-will-continue-to-fight-epic-games-in-court-to-halt-epic-requested-changes-to-play-store-under" rel="noreferrer noopener">proposed by&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41220186/google-will-continue-to-fight-epic-games-in-court-to-halt-epic-requested-changes-to-play-store-under" rel="noreferrer noopener">Epic Games</a>.
Amazon.com, Inc.&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) cloud computing platform,&nbsp;Amazon Web Services&nbsp;CEO&nbsp;Matt Garman&nbsp;disclosed that the company had been delving into generative AI long&nbsp;before it <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41201296/aws-ceo-matt-garman-once-an-intern-says-they-were-pioneering-generative-ai-at-amazon-long-before-cha" rel="noreferrer noopener">became a widely&nbsp;accepted concept</a>.
Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/10/41257775/uber-well-positioned-despite-tesla-robotaxi-threat-analyst-says" rel="noreferrer noopener">Uber &#8216;Well Positioned&#8217; Despite Tesla Robotaxi Threat, Analyst Says</a>
Roblox Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RBLX#NYSE">RBLX</a>) formally rejected the accusations levied in a recent report by&nbsp;Hindenburg Research, an investment firm <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/10/41255828/roblox-denies-hindenburgs-accusations-of-inflating-metrics-failing-at-child-safety-calls-them-misl" rel="noreferrer noopener">known for&nbsp;activist short-selling</a>.
Smartphones
Earlier this year, tech giants&nbsp;Alphabet and&nbsp;Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) joined forces to simplify the process of moving photos and videos between <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41265188/how-to-switch-from-google-photos-to-apples-icloud" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">their platforms by launching a tool</a>.
Amazon.com and&nbsp;Apple have announced a collaboration, as per which&nbsp;Apple TV+ will be <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/10/41264628/apple-tv-coming-to-amazon-prime-video-this-month-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-9-99-add-o" rel="noreferrer noopener">available through&nbsp;Prime Video</a>.
Apple&nbsp;is reportedly planning to launch a health-focused smart ring by 2026, according to a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/10/41222158/apples-smart-ring-could-launch-by-2026-in-line-with-tim-cooks-health-centric-vision" rel="noreferrer noopener">forecast by analysts at CCS Insight</a>.
Elon Musk &amp; Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>)&nbsp;Robotaxi is set to disrupt the autonomous driving market, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/24/10/41238300/tesla-robotaxi-ambitions-come-as-most-americans-grow-wary-of-autonomous-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">currently led by </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/24/10/41238300/tesla-robotaxi-ambitions-come-as-most-americans-grow-wary-of-autonomous-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alphabet&#8217;s </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/24/10/41238300/tesla-robotaxi-ambitions-come-as-most-americans-grow-wary-of-autonomous-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Waymo</a>.
CEO&nbsp;Elon Musk's social media platform,&nbsp;X, formerly&nbsp;Twitter, has been granted permission by Brazil's Supreme Court to&nbsp;recommence<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41242624/elon-musk-vows-to-defend-freedom-of-speech-but-within-the-boundaries-of-the-law-as-x-gets-brazil-gre" rel="noreferrer noopener"> its operations&nbsp;in the country</a>.
The Federal Communications Commission or FCC has temporarily authorized&nbsp;Elon Musk-led&nbsp;SpaceX and&nbsp;T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TMUS#NASDAQ">TMUS</a>) to provide direct-to-cell service via Starlink satellites in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41200194/spacex-and-t-mobiles-direct-to-cell-satellite-service-for-hurricane-hit-areas-green-lighted-by-fcc-a" rel="noreferrer noopener">areas&nbsp;impacted by Hurricane Helene</a>.
Read:<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41224028/elon-musk-talks-ai-woke-mind-virus-starlink-and-california-governor-gavin-newsom-with-tucker-carlson" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Elon Musk Talks AI, Woke Mind Virus, Starlink And California Governor Gavin Newsom With Tucker Carlson</a>
ChatGPT-parent&nbsp;OpenAI has disclosed that its platform is being misused by malicious entities to meddle with democratic <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41267154/ahead-of-trump-vs-harris-faceoff-chatgpt-parent-openai-uncovers-election-interference-misuse-but-see" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elections across the globe</a>.
Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/10/41239978/s-p-500-earnings-season-kicks-off-why-analysts-call-this-quarter-a-stock-pickers-pa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">S&amp;P 500 Earnings Season Kicks Off: Why Analysts Call This Quarter &#8216;A Stock Picker&#8217;s Paradise&#8217;</a>

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Consumer Tech News (Oct 7-Oct 11): Apple TV+ To Be Available Through Prime Video, Tesla Robotaxi To Disrupt Autonomous Driving Market & More

Nintendo ADR (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTDOY#OTC">NTDOY</a>) has officially announced the &#8220;Nintendo Switch Online: Playtest Program,&#8221; allowing up to 10,000 participants to test a new feature related to the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/08/40138944/nintendos-q1-sales-plummet-could-limited-releases-be-to-blame">Nintendo Switch Online service. </a>
The company has not provided specific details about the new feature, sparking speculation among fans.
See Also:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/09/41074683/in-a-competitive-console-landscape-nintendo-says-it-will-not-get-involved-in-the-game-war"> In A Competitive Console Landscape, Nintendo Says It Will Not &#8216;Get Involved In The Game War&#8217;</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Participation Details</h3>
To <a href="https://playtest-p.nintendo.com/en-us">participate</a> in the playtest, players must meet the following criteria:
<ul>
<li>Age: Must be at least 18 years old.</li>
<li>Membership: Must have an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription.</li>
<li>Location: Participants must have a Nintendo Account registered in Japan, the USA, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, or Spain.</li>
</ul>
Sign-ups will open Thursday at 6 p.m. PDT and will close on Oct. 15. Participants will need to download &#8220;exclusive software&#8221; to their Nintendo Switch consoles to take part in the playtest, which is scheduled to run from Oct. 23 to Nov. 5.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Speculation On The New Feature</h3>
While details about the new feature remain vague, fans are eager to speculate. The company recently launched a gesture-controlled alarm clock, which could indicate a wide range of possibilities, including a sneak peek at features for the highly anticipated Switch 2.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/04/38499828/nintendo-switch-2-reports-leak-magnetic-joy-cons-enhanced-1080p-screen-next-gen-cartridges">Nintendo Switch 2 Reports Leak: Magnetic Joy-Cons, Enhanced 1080p Screen, Next-Gen Cartridges</a></li>
</ul>
Image credits: Shutterstock.

How To Join Nintendo's Playtest Program To Experience New Switch Online Feature

Pocketpair's monster-catching survival game, Palworld, has officially launched on Sony Group Corp.&#8216;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SONY#NYSE">SONY</a>) PlayStation 5 in Japan, following a delayed release due to ongoing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/07/39624481/nintendo-escalates-anti-piracy-campaign-with-lawsuit-against-modded-hardware">legal issues with Nintendo ARD</a> (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTDOY#OTC">NTDOY</a>).
The game, which debuted on PlayStation consoles last month in 68 countries and regions, initially left Japanese fans waiting for reasons that have sparked widespread speculation. 
Many suspected that the delay was connected to Nintendo's lawsuit against Pocketpair over alleged patent infringements.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/09/40962380/nintendos-killer-patent-could-crush-palworlds-monster-catching-gameplay-expert-warns">Nintendo&#8217;s &#8216;Killer Patent&#8217; Could Crush Palworld&#8217;s Monster-Catching Gameplay, Expert Warns</a>
&#8220;The PS5 version of Palworld is released today on the PS Store,&#8221; Pocketpair's social media team <a href="https://x.com/Palworld_JP/status/1842113232779243881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1842113232779243881%7Ctwgr%5E7075d40a02cfc814c9fa50b94bd9948dabc64a41%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eurogamer.net%2Fpalworld-ps5-release-finally-available-in-japan-despite-looming-nintendo-lawsuit">confirmed </a>this morning.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Nintendo&#8217;s Lawsuit And Pocketpair's Response</h3>
In the midst of Palworld&#8217;s launch success, Nintendo initiated legal action against Pocketpair, citing patent infringement. 
While Nintendo has not publicly disclosed the specific patents involved, this lawsuit appears to have influenced Palworld&#8217;s delayed entry into the Japanese PlayStation market. 
&#8220;We are still unaware of which patents we have seemingly infringed,&#8221; Pocketpair stated.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">A New Partnership With Krafton</h3>
In another major development for Palworld, Pocketpair has inked a partnership deal with Krafton, the parent company of PUBG Studios, to bring the game to mobile platforms, Eurogamer reported.
PUBG Studios is set to lead the development of Palworld&#8217;s mobile version, ensuring that its core elements are &#8220;faithfully reinterpreted and implemented,&#8221; according to a joint statement.
The mobile adaptation aims to capture the essence of what made the original Palworld such a success—its dynamic blend of monster collection, survival mechanics, and action-packed gameplay. With Krafton's pedigree in the mobile gaming market, fans are optimistic about the transition.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/06/39491189/pok-mon-palworld-controversy-teaches-this-developer-a-lesson-i-try-to-avoid-creating-new-things">Pokémon, Palworld Controversy Teaches This Developer A Lesson: &#8216;I Try To Avoid Creating New Things&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Image courtesy of Pocketpair.

Palworld Finally Hits PS5 In Japan After Legal Issues With Nintendo

Square Enix Holdings Co Ltd (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SQNXF#OTC">SQNXF</a>) has confirmed its intention to release Final Fantasy 16 on Xbox.
Naoki "Yoshi-P" Yoshida, the producer behind both Final Fantasy 14 and Final Fantasy 16, addressed the situation during an interview <a href="https://www.si.com/videogames/features/final-fantasy-14-naoki-yoshida-interview">with </a>Video Games.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/08/40448062/square-enix-announces-final-fantasy-16-pc-release-date-and-pricing">Square Enix Announces Final Fantasy 16 PC Release Date And Pricing</a>
"Of course we did announce the PC version of the game, so looking towards the Xbox version, we do want to release it on Xbox," Yoshida stated. 
"But when it comes to the specifics such as when the game would be available and such, we are not in a position to be able to share anything. But of course, I want to say that it's not as if there's zero hope, and we very much do want to achieve that. So players should not give up in terms of their hopes," he added.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">From Exclusive To Multi-Platform</h3>
Launched in June 2023 as a PlayStation 5 exclusive, Final Fantasy 16 has since expanded its availability, with a PC version released last month. 
The game&#8217;s transition to multi-platform is part of Square Enix's broader strategy to adapt to a shifting gaming landscape. Yoshida&#8217;s comments highlight a growing acknowledgment within the company of the importance of accessibility across various platforms to meet the diverse preferences of players.
Despite the excitement surrounding Final Fantasy 16, Square Enix has expressed concern over its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/23/09/34589295/can-square-enix-recover-2b-value-drop-after-final-fantasy-16-release">commercial performance. </a>
In a financial briefing held in May but disclosed in September, Takashi Kiryu, the company's president and representative director, revealed: &#8220;In the HD Games sub-segment, we released multiple new titles, including major titles such as Final Fantasy 16 and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, but profits unfortunately did not meet our expectations.&#8221;
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Adapting To Market Dynamics</h3>
In light of these financial challenges, Square Enix is restructuring its business model to enhance profitability. This includes a new multi-platform strategy that not only encompasses PC and Xbox but also aims for future compatibility with the next Nintendo ADR (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTDOY#OTC">NTDOY</a>) console. 
However, as part of this reworking, the company has canceled several games, signaling a more selective approach to its development pipeline.
Last month, Yoshida suggested it might be time for fresh leadership to guide the franchise into the future, hinting at the potential for a younger generation to take the reins for Final Fantasy 17.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/09/40925388/why-final-fantasy-16-7-rebirth-didnt-hit-profit-targets-according-to-square-enix">Why Final Fantasy 16, 7 Rebirth Didn&#8217;t Hit Profit Targets, According To Square Enix</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Final Fantasy 16 On Xbox? Square Enix Hints At A Possible Release

As the console landscape continues to be dominated by intense competition between PlayStation and Xbox, Nintendo ADR's (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTDOY#OTC">NTDOY</a>) legendary game designer Shigeru Miyamoto has expressed the desire for the company to remain detached from this ongoing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/20/11/18393442/this-big-fund-manager-is-betting-on-nintendo-in-the-video-game-console-wars">"game war."</a>
During a recent interview with Famitsu (<a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/shigeru-miyamoto-wants-nintendo-to-be-left-out-of-the-game-wars-focused-on-high-specs-and-performance">via</a> IGN), held to mark the upcoming opening of the Nintendo Museum in Kyoto on Oct. 2, Miyamoto articulated a vision that prioritizes Nintendo&#8217;s unique identity over the technical arms race prevalent in the industry.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/23/06/32989205/microsoft-admits-xbox-has-lost-the-console-wars-during-ftc-court-hearing">Microsoft Admits &#8216;Xbox Has Lost The Console Wars&#8217; During FTC Court Hearing</a>
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">A Vision For The Nintendo Museum</h1>
Miyamoto shared that the museum serves as a vital link between the company and its audience.
"Not only our employees but also people who know about Nintendo, including three generations of parents and children, could come out to see the museum and understand what Nintendo is all about,&#8221; he said.
In his remarks, Miyamoto voiced his hope that visitors and industry peers alike would "understand Nintendo and not get involved in what is sometimes called the &#8216;game war,&#8217; such as high specs and how to improve the performance of game consoles." 
"Nintendo will continue to make products that are uniquely Nintendo using various technologies available in the world today," he added. 
Miyamoto&#8217;s remarks are direct but not unexpected, considering Nintendo&#8217;s relative absence from the console war narrative compared Sony Group Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SONY#NYSE">SONY</a>) and Microsoft Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SONY#NYSE">SONY</a>) which have focused on high specs and performance, such as Sony&#8217;s recent announcement of the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/09/41055245/ps5-30th-anniversary-chaos-scalpers-sweep-up-stock-leaving-fans-empty-handed">PS5 Pro. </a>
Nintendo&#8217;s approach has proven successful, with the Switch still selling well even as its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/02/37315458/this-is-the-reason-behind-nintendo-switch-2s-delay-to-march-2025-report-says">successor is anticipated.</a>
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Photo: Shutterstock.

In A Competitive Console Landscape, Nintendo Says It Will Not 'Get Involved In The Game War'

Palworld, the open-world crafting game often described as "Pokémon with guns", surprise-launched on the PlayStation 5 on Sept. 24, following Sony Group Corp.&#8216;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SONY#NYSE">SONY</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/09/41030256/playstation-plus-october-lineup-revealed-wwe-2k24-dead-space-more">State of Play broadcast. </a>
Gamers from 68 countries eagerly downloaded the long-awaited release, but fans in Japan were left in the dark. Despite the global excitement, Japanese players found themselves unable to access the game.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/09/40962380/nintendos-killer-patent-could-crush-palworlds-monster-catching-gameplay-expert-warns">Nintendo&#8217;s &#8216;Killer Patent&#8217; Could Crush Palworld&#8217;s Monster-Catching Gameplay, Expert Warns</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Palworld PS5 Block In Japan</h3>
Pocketpair, the Japanese developer behind Palworld, took to X (formerly Twitter) to address the situation. The official Japanese Palworld account confirmed that the PS5 release in Japan "has not yet been decided," offering no further explanation for the delay. 
&#8220;We apologize to everyone in Japan who was looking forward to it, but all of our staff will do our best to deliver it to PS5 users as soon as possible, so we hope you will wait for a little longer. We look forward to your continued support of Palworld.&#8221;
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">＜PS5版『Palworld / パルワールド』について＞ PlayStation公式『State of Play』にて発表があった通り、PS5版『Palworld / パルワールド』が本日、全世界68の国と地域で発売されました。… <a href="https://t.co/BNzS18XBYK">https://t.co/BNzS18XBYK</a>
&mdash; パルワールド/Palworld 公式 (@Palworld_JP) <a href="https://twitter.com/Palworld_JP/status/1838716479136763971?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
The developer stopped short of specifying the reason behind the delay. But many suspect it is linked to a recent lawsuit filed by Nintendo ADR (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTDOY#OTC">NTDOY</a>) and The Pokémon Company against Pocketpair. The case, which was filed in the Tokyo District Court, accuses the developer of infringing on Pokémon-related patents.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Legal Battle: Pokémon Vs. Palworld</h3>
Industry insiders believe that the legal dispute centers around a "killer patent" tied to the mechanics of catching creatures—a key gameplay feature in both Pokémon and Palworld. 
In Palworld, players can capture creatures using a ball-like object called a Pal Sphere, a concept that is strikingly similar to the capturing mechanic seen in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
Pocketpair responded to the lawsuit with a public statement, claiming they were unaware of the specific patents they allegedly infringed upon. 
For now, Palworld remains available on all previously supported platforms, including Xbox and PC via Steam. The game is also still part of Microsoft&#8217;s Game Pass subscription service. 
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/03/37755269/palworld-success-overwhelms-too-big-for-our-studio-but-pocketpair-open-to-acquisitions">Palworld&#8217; Success Overwhelms: &#8216;Too Big for Our Studio,&#8217; But Pocketpair Open To Acquisitions</a></li>
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Image credits: Shutterstock.

Palworld Launches On PS5, But Why Can't Japan Play?

Black Myth: Wukong soared to the top of the charts in August 2024, according to Newzoo, leading the revenue rankings across <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/gaming-industry">six major markets. </a>
This action RPG, rooted in Chinese mythology, took the number one spot for overall earnings in the U.S., U.K., Germany, France, Spain and Italy highlighting its remarkable success in its debut month, GamesIndustry.biz <a href="https://www.gamesindustry.biz/black-myth-wukong-top-grossing-game-for-august-2024-newzoo-charts">reported.</a>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/08/40660800/is-sony-behind-black-myth-wukongs-xbox-delay-what-we-know">Is Sony Behind Black Myth: Wukong&#8217;s Xbox Delay? What We Know</a>
Not only did Black Myth: Wukong dominate these markets, but it also claimed the top position in the PC category. On Sony Group Corp.&#8216;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SONY#NYSE">SONY</a>) PlayStation, it was the third-highest-grossing title, only trailing behind Fortnite and Electronic Arts Inc&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EA#NASDAQ">EA</a>) EA Sports Madden NFL 25, showing that it performed strongly across multiple platforms. 
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">The First Descendant Experiences Revenue Decline</h1>
While Black Myth: Wukong thrived, other games like The First Descendant saw less favorable trends. 
According to Newzoo&#8217;s August analysis, the game experienced a steep revenue decline from June to August. Despite initial success, the competitive market and new releases may have contributed to this downturn.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Popular Titles See Engagement Boosts</h1>
Several established titles saw significant gains in monthly active users (MAUs) during August. 
Fall Guys, Diablo 4 and World of Warcraft were among the games that witnessed notable increases in player activity. In particular, World of Warcraft saw its biggest MAU increase of 2024, climbing nine ranks in Newzoo's engagement chart.
Another major title, Warner Bros. Discovery Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBD#NASDAQ">WBD</a>) Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, experienced a substantial boost in player engagement. This was largely due to its inclusion in the PlayStation Plus lineup and a 75% discount on Nintendo ADR&#8216;s (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTDOY#OTC">NTDOY</a>) Nintendo Switch Store, which helped bring in new and returning players.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Top Games by Revenue And MAUs For August</h1>
Newzoo's report also highlighted the top-performing games by revenue across PC and consoles for August. While Black Myth: Wukong led the revenue rankings, other big names like Fortnite and Madden NFL 25 secured second and third spots respectively.
In terms of monthly active users, Fortnite, Microsoft Corp.&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2/3/Warzone, and Minecraft dominated the top of the charts, maintaining their strong engagement among players across the six markets analyzed. 
Titles such as Diablo 4 also moved up significantly in the MAU rankings, driven by new updates that re-engaged the player base.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/09/40905542/could-gta-6-be-pushed-to-2026-insights-from-former-rockstar-insider">Could GTA 6 Be Pushed To 2026? Insights From Former Rockstar Insider</a></li>
</ul>

Black Myth: Wukong's Big Debut Leads August Gaming Revenue Rankings

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